Last weekend, at the ImagiNxt summit in Mumbai, I sat in the audience listening to a panel discussion titled “The other India is already innovating” where DEF Founder-Director Osama Manzar, as one of the panellists, joined the conversation on grassroots innovation.
As part of the observance of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) 2026, a multi-stakeholder dialogue is being convened to reflect on the evolving journey of telecommunications and the internet, and their profound impact on societies across the world. At a time when digital technologies increasingly shape economies, governance systems, education, healthcare, livelihoods, and…
As artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, and digital economies continue to expand rapidly across the world, the physical infrastructure powering these systems often remains invisible in mainstream conversations. Behind every digital service lies a growing network of data centers that require vast amounts of land, water, energy, and resources. While these developments are frequently associated with…
“Receiving the Artisan Card has given us a new identity and confidence. Earlier, we were making jute products but had no formal recognition. Now we can access government schemes, trainings, and bigger market opportunities. This support has encouraged us to dream bigger for our future,” shares a Rural Woman Entrepreneur from the Herampur Jute Cluster…
In the Majlishbag area of Malda district, West Bengal, Sampa Mahali is steadily building a stronger future for herself and her family through her bamboo handicraft enterprise. What was once a small livelihood activity rooted in traditional craftsmanship is now evolving into a growing social enterprise, supported by digital learning and entrepreneurship development under the…
“Education has always been close to my heart, and being able to contribute to my community through it gives me a deep sense of purpose,” shares SoochnaPreneur Nagendra Chaturvedi. Nagendra Chaturvedi, from Umri in Madhya Pradesh, has been associated with the Digital Empowerment Foundation since 2014 and has worked extensively on grassroots initiatives related to…
“I have always been passionate about educating myself and the children of my community. The tuition centre I run at home not only serves as a place of study, but also where I regularly interact with parents and varied community members. The interactions encouraged me to expand my horizons and serve the community holistically. This…
As digital technologies continue to shape economies, governance systems, livelihoods, and everyday life, an important question remains at the heart of our collective journey: who truly benefits from digital transformation, and who continues to remain at its margins? This edition of the newsletter brings together stories, reflections, and conversations that explore the many dimensions of…
The Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) submitted a detailed civil society response to the United Nations Global Dialogue on AI Governance, emphasizing that AI governance frameworks must center the realities of the unconnected, underserved, and underrepresented communities of the Global South.
At her Nano SheMaker digital centre, Girja’s work goes far beyond education; it has become a vital access point for citizen entitlements in her region. Every week, community members visit her centre seeking help with essential services that were once difficult to access due to distance, lack of awareness, or digital barriers. Girja assists them…